By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
Somalia, 16 December 2025 — The Association of Somali Universities (ASU) has raised concerns over plans to use educational institutions as polling stations during upcoming elections, warning that the practice risks politicising schools and universities and undermining students’ right to safe, uninterrupted learning.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the association said it had been closely monitoring political developments surrounding the electoral process and noted growing attempts to turn schools, institutes and universities into venues for voter registration, polling, or political mobilisation. ASU described the trend as a “dangerous precedent” that threatens academic neutrality and institutional integrity.
“Educational institutions are not designed to serve as electoral arenas,” the statement said, stressing that schools and universities should remain neutral spaces dedicated to education, research and national development.
According to ASU, using campuses as polling stations exposes students, teachers and administrators to security risks and political pressure, particularly in a fragile political environment.
The association warned that election-related activities inside educational facilities could disrupt academic calendars, delay examinations, and negatively affect students’ psychological well-being. It also cautioned that such practices may infringe on children’s rights by exposing them to violence or intimidation.
More from Somalia
ASU further argued that the politicisation of education weakens public trust in academic institutions and erodes their role as inclusive national platforms.
“Once schools are seen as partisan spaces, their credibility and social mission are severely compromised,” the statement noted
The association called on federal and regional authorities to immediately refrain from designating educational institutions as electoral locations and urged election bodies to identify alternative civilian venues that do not interfere with learning. It also appealed to the Ministry of Education and security agencies to take concrete measures to protect schools and universities throughout the electoral period.
ASU concluded by emphasising that safeguarding education is a national responsibility, warning that any short-term electoral convenience should not come at the expense of Somalia’s long-term human capital and social stability.
Discover more Somalia updates
